Camera equipment, lenses, etc.

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16-35 2.8, 24-70 2.8 & 70-200 2.8 is all you'll ever need. Quality glass is pricey, but well worth it for low light, shallow depth of field and sharp images.

DrLove

I almost forgot one of most important things. . . a sheepskin rug, you have to get a sheepskin rug (unless you can find a bearskin rug).

Dr. Love is right... those lenses are all you really need, but even used it could cost at least 4K for all three lenses. I'd start with a used 16-35 f.2.8, and work my way up to the 70-200 f.2.8. If you are shooting outside a lot, the f4 lenses are still good and cheaper. Just have fun, whatever you do.

And yes, it is possible to rent the long glass, since you probably won't use it too much anyway.

Thanks for all the good advice guys!
I have given the SO a list of lenses and supplies I would like to have. She is as excited about the camera as I am so she is conducting her own searches for equipment. I told her my info is coming from a couple of photography afficianados from work. She hasn't questioned any of it now that she saw the photos with the 50mm f1.8.
I asked for the sheepskin. Request denied. Use the cowhide she says. I have to have a sheepskin now! Without really showing her why!

I found the 50mm too tight on a crop camera. I'd suggest the Canon 35mm f/2 or sigma 30mm f/1.4 if you feel the same way.

I found the 50mm too tight on a crop camera. I'd suggest the Canon 35mm f/2 or sigma 30mm f/1.4 if you feel the same way. Originally Posted by facebook

If you can get far enough back I still like the 50. I've had some real back focus issues with my sigma 30, fortunately the D300 allows some focus distance adjustment from a menu, had to use half of it with the Sigma.

Of the three shots above, the ones of DallasBella and ExoticBabyGirl are with the $100 Nikon 50 1.8, the shot of Chelsie Simms is with the $400 Sigma (which I focused manually).

Which reminds me, a "cat's eye" focusing screen is very nice to have, got hooked on them back in my medium format days and have one in my D300.

What brand of lens would be okay to use other than just the Canon brand? Or should I stick with the same brand? Sigma was mentioned and they are less expensive when purchase new.

I think it's best to research individual lenses, not just the manufacturer. I knew the Sigma 30, while generally well reviewed had a tendency to back focus (varies lens to lens) but knew the D300 could compensate. I just sometimes forget to make sure the menu item is set to "on".

Generally though, I've owned a few Sigmas over the years and they served me well.

When you feel like spending hours reading - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ is probably the best overall Canon specific forums site.

I currently own a 60D and the following lenses: Canon 24-105L, Canon 10-22, Canon 50 1.8, Tamron 18-270, Tamron 90 Macro. I also have these lights: Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Ring Flash, Elinchrom D-Lite 4 IT kit and an eBay version of The Strobist 3 light kit.

I think I will sell the 24-105L soon and get the new Tamron 24-70. Down the road I plan on a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L and at that point I will sell my 18-270 Tamron. I'm very happy with my kit and photography does make me extra $ from time to time.

Also, I almost never use my 50mm. I've tried an 85mm and if I used a prime I would prefer it for sure.

I took some photos at a kindergarten graduation with the 50mm and am actually impressed with the results when I opened in Lightroom. I agree though that you need plenty of unobstructed room to get far enough back for the group photos. I did switch to the 18-55 on occasion just to see the differences in those two lenses.
I talked to all the moms and dads that were shooting with cameras and not phones to see what equipment they were using. Most had no clue. Whatever came with the camera when they bought it.
Thanks for the link Adonis. I read everything I can get my hands on. I learn quite a bit by avoiding everyone else's prior mistakes. Including not wasting money on a lens that turns out to be something I never needed to start with.

Get a 50mm lens. f/1.4 Takumar would be perfect if you are willing to get a M42 adapter and focus manually. Very difficult to beat it's performance @ the $100 price. The original 8 element version was designed to be a Zeiss Planar killer and it did achieve its objective. The 7 element version is great too.

Next, dump your kit lens and get a couple of fast f/2.8 zooms. You don't need to get Canons - Sigmas and Tamrons will do. They are convenient for BCD pics.

Do you guys know of anyone or anyplace offering instruction on specific parts of photography? By that I mean say just on the subject of lighting or just on camera settings or even on editing. I have looked at evening classes at community colleges but seems they are short classes covering a wide spectrum.

Do you guys know of anyone or anyplace offering instruction on specific parts of photography? By that I mean say just on the subject of lighting or just on camera settings or even on editing. I have looked at evening classes at community colleges but seems they are short classes covering a wide spectrum. Originally Posted by cheatercheater

The internet and half priced books are good places to start. Save the evening classes for photoshop etc., with digital the job isn't finished (generally) until you do some post processing on the images.

The last books I got:
http://portrait-photographer.blogspo...-lighting.html

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-With-...991271&sr=1-14

http://www.amazon.com/The-Model-Book.../dp/B000Q7UV6K

http://www.amazon.com/Pictorial-Ligh...8991350&sr=1-8

Note that all of these are about studio lighting of people, not general instruction.

Good luck and happy snaps!

Now if I only had the time, space, and models to practice with!